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Before Todoroki and Bakugou could make plans to move the deaf man into the blonde’s apartment, there were a couple things they wanted to take care of.
One of them: Todoroki’s father.
The abusive man had continuously reached out to the youngest Todoroki since their encounter a week prior.
First, Todoroki had to explain to Bakugou what happened after the blonde had left that day.
It was almost funny, since he doesn’t know sign language. Todoroki told Bakugou the morning after their heartfelt reunion, full of passion and love. Todoroki sat in Bakugou’s lap, who leaned against the headboard of his bed. His tan fingers rubbed soothing circles on his lover’s knees as the man explained.
I ended up getting him a piece of paper and pen and he had to write what he wanted to ask. Todoroki breathed a small giggle, which caused Bakugou to smile. He actually asked a lot about you. Bakugou raised an eyebrow. Yeah, said you seemed rash and crazy. Todoroki smirked at his boyfriend’s scowl. Of course I defended your honor, though.
Bakugou’s glower took a 180 as he chuckled. Oh did you? Todoroki grinned proudly.
I did. Told him you were not rash but crazy in the best way. Todoroki giggled at Bakugou’s hands at his sides. The air was light between them, which may seem odd considering the conversation, but the high from the night before still lingered. Once they were both calm, Bakugou’s hands rested on Todoroki’s hips.
But seriously, I told him you were amazing and a great boyfriend. Bakugou blushed and Todoroki leaned forward to rub their noses together. He didn’t think I was gay, but was surprisingly pretty okay with it. Bakugou nods as he reads each sign. I guess he could tell I was upset, so he left shortly after that. Todoroki rolled his shoulders and Bakugou massaged his skin in apology. But he did mention he wanted to talk soon . He shrugged and lowered his hands, seemingly finished with his short story.
Do you want to talk to him? Bakugou asked, face blank and supportive. Todoroki hesitated before he nodded. Bakugou sighed. I support you, Shouto. Todoroki relaxed and kissed his blonde who held him close. When they pulled back, Bakugou asked, Can I be there when you see him again? He nibbled on his bottom lip, a bit nervous that his boyfriend would deny him that considering their last encounter with Enji.
Todoroki nodded without hesitation. I really want you there. He solidifies his decision with those words and Bakugou feels a huge weight off his shoulders. With a smile, the blonde nodded and kissed his boyfriend, whose arms wrapped around the others neck.
Now, a week after that conversation, the two are at Todoroki’s apartment.
Bakugou is already dressed to go to lunch where they’ll meet Enji. He bounces his leg as he sits on the edge of Todoroki’s bed, watching the deaf man search through his dresser.
He’s holding a towel on his hips, hair dripping down his shoulders. Bakugou’s fingers twitch, wanting to reach out and seal his boyfriend from the world. Lock the doors, turn off the phones and just be together.
But he knows this is important to his lover. Though he doesn’t completely get why Todoroki would want to reconnect with his abusive father, he recognizes that it’s his boyfriend’s large heart that causes him to forgive easily. A heart so pure and lovely is one of the many reasons he’s fallen in love with Todoroki.
He smirks when he hears Todoroki huff, shoulders sagging. Bakugou gets up from the bed and comes around the side of the dresser so Todoroki could see him. The deaf male looks up with pleading eyes once he sees Bakugou. The blonde laughs before moving to stand next to Todoroki, shuffling through clothes and picking out briefs, gray pants and a button up red shirt. Todoroki tilts his head looking at them, contemplating if he should wear the outfit.
Bakugou realizes this and rolls his eyes, reaching out to hand the clothes to his boyfriend, who takes them into his free hand.
We’re going to be late if you don’t put on something now. Bakugou informs Todoroki, who looks over at the clock on his nightstand before bolting to the bed to drop his clothes. Letting the towel fall to the floor, Todoroki quickly dresses, cheeks flushed as he feels Bakugou’s eyes on him, soaking in every inch of skin that is eventually covered.
Bakugou leans against the door frame, watching with a smile as Todoroki slips on his shoes, then stands to smooth out his clothes. He looks at the blonde for approval, so Bakugou nods with a grin and opens his arms for Todoroki to fall into.
They hold each other for a couple moments, taking in the comfort and love the other gives.
Although reluctant, Bakugou is the first to let go, but only to take Todoroki’s hand and lead them to the front door of the apartment. Todoroki follows, squeezing Bakugou’s hand.
They leave and lock the door behind them before going downstairs and hopping on Bakugou’s bike.
-
The ride to the restaurant isn’t long. In fact, the nerves Todoroki had been setting aside in hopes of calming down on the peaceful ride there hadn’t relaxed even a little and now they were back, full swing and ready to hit him hard.
Todorokis not sure what the issue even is. It’s not like his father will hurt him in public, and even so, Todoroki can stand up for himself if the old man even thinks of doing anything rash. He also doesn’t give a shit if he approves of his boyfriend or not, it won’t change how he feels for Bakugou or stop him from being with the blonde.
So what the fuck is he all nervous about?
Todoroki distractedly removes his helmet after Bakugou parks his motorcycle. As he pulls it off his head, it’s removed from his grasp, causing him to jolt in his seat. He looks to the source to find his boyfriend frozen in his spot, helmet in his hands, as he stares confused and worried at Todoroki.
Sorry. Todoroki signs quickly before shifting his leg over the bike and on the ground. He keeps his head lowered as he straightens out his clothes, then smooths his hair from the helmet and wind. He keeps taking deep breaths, hoping somehow that will calm the nerves, but it doesn’t seem to be doing much.
Suddenly, two hands grasp Todoroki’s shoulders and his head snaps up to meet his lover’s concerned expression.
When Bakugou feels he has Todoroki full attention, he lets go and signs, What’s wrong? Are you okay? Todoroki watches as Bakugou’s red eyes search all over his face for any sign of what may be causing Todoroki’s distress.
With a frustrated huff, Todoroki responds, I’m fine. curtly. Bakugou looks taken back, eyes wide as his blonde eyebrows raise. Closing his eyes, Todoroki sighs and reopens them, giving an apologetic smile to his boyfriend. I’m sorry. I guess- his hands halt as he notices orange and red hair coming towards them from behind Bakugou.
Enji.
Todoroki can feel himself shaking. He didn’t think he was this nervous but-
His focus on his father is blocked by wide, red eyes. It’s then that Todoroki realizes he wasn’t shaking because of nerves, but because his boyfriend was trying to get his attention. He strains from trying to peer around Bakugou and watches as the blonde hurriedly asks again if he’s okay.
My father. Todoroki signs quickly before pointing a stiff finger behind Bakugou at his dad.
The blonde quickly turns around, body rigid as he comes face to face with Todoroki’s father.
“Bakugou.” Enji nods his head in greeting, which Bakugou returns.
“Mr. Todoroki.” His voice is strained and he still feels over protective over his boyfriend.
The eldest male turns his attention to his son, raising a hand and waving while saying “Hello, Shouto.”
Bakugou bites his tongue from reminding the old man that Todoroki can’t hear.
Bakugou feels movement from behind him and soon his boyfriend is standing beside him, waving back at his father.
The silence is tense as they stand on the sidewalk outside of the restaurant. Enji shoves his hands into his pockets.
“Shall we go in, then?” He tips his head towards the door and Bakugou nods before turning to his boyfriend.
Okay to go in? Todoroki smiles softly and nods, taking the blonde’s hand in his and leading them towards the front door, leaving Enji to follow them.
Though Bakugou despises the man that’s related to his boyfriend, he holds the door open for him like the gentleman he is, just to make sure the man has no reason to dislike him… besides punching him in the face a couple weeks prior.
“Hello! Table for three?” The hostess asks as the small group gets closer to her stand.
“Yes, please.” Enji agrees for them. Bakugou finds his lover's hand again, having let go to hold the door open, and squeezes it once, smirking to himself when he gets a squeeze in return.
The hostess leads them further into the building with a soft ‘follow me’.
They’re seated at a four person table. Bakugou and Todoroki take one side, while Enji sits directly across from his son.
“Your waitress should be here shortly.” Her smile is professional as she nods at the group and leaves them.
The silence from outside continues as they pick up their menus and search through the options.
It’s a standard restaurant, the menu including all types of foods from burgers to pasta to salads. They even had pizza.
Noticing this, Todoroki elbows Bakugou’s side to get his attention before pointing at the pepperoni pizza option. Bakugou smirks after he reads and turns to his boyfriend, pressing a gentle kiss to Todoroki’s temple, causing the smaller male to giggle and blush.
Enji clears his throat, but only Bakugou looks over at him, raising an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”
Enji sighs and shakes his head. “No.”
Before Bakugou can respond, their waitress steps up to the table. “Hello! My name is Rae and I will be serving you today. Can I start you all with something to drink?”
While Enji responds, Todoroki once again elbows Bakugou and then points at the word coca-cola at the bottom of the menu under the drinks section. Bakugou nods then looks up at the waitress.
“I’ll have a sprite and he’ll have a coke.” Nodding, Rae writes their orders and leaves with the promise of returning shortly.
Bakugou had already decided he would get a burger and watches his boyfriend as his eyes flit across each page, biting his lip in concentration as he tries to figure out what he wants.
“Bakugou.” The blonde looks up at Enji, soft eyes hardening at the man. “Could you please get Shouto’s attention for me?”
“Uh,” Bakugou narrows his glare at the elder. “He still can’t hear you, y’know?” His words come out in a growl.
Enji rolls his eyes a bit. “Yes, I know that, thank you. Now, will you please get his attention for me.”
Bakugou sits up and turns his body towards Todoroki, tapping his shoulder lightly. Todoroki jumps a little and looks over at Bakugou.
Sorry. Bakugou signs then flicks his gaze to Enji and back. He wants to talk to you. Todoroki raises an eyebrow in confusion and Bakugou’s features soften once more at the cute expression. I don’t know, just asked me to get your attention for him. Todoroki nods slowly before turning his attention to his father, lifting both eyebrows.
Enji takes a clear, deep breath and raises his hands from his lap to in front of him. Both younger men’s eyes widened in surprise.
Taking his right hand, Enji points to himself. I’m. Then, with both hands, he makes a swiping motion towards his chest. Happy. Again, he takes his right hand and forms a V with his pointer and middle fingers, then brings it to the side of his eye and pulls it away. To see. His pointer finger stays out and points at his son. You.
I’m happy to see you.
Todoroki holds back his gasp, but Bakugou doesn’t. “Well, shit.” He whispers and Enji ignores it, waiting for his son's response.
Todoroki raises his left hand from his lap, making a fist before poking out his thumb and pinky, bringing the pinky towards him, before pushing the thumb outwards at Enji.
Me too.
Enji let out a long, relieved sigh, shoulders slouching forward. He seems much more relaxed than he did walking in and it's an odd look for him, causing Todoroki to snort and cover his mouth. Bakugou and Enji look at him with confused expressions but he just shakes his head to dismiss them.
At that moment, the waitress comes back with their drinks and begins taking their orders.
Todoroki quickly scans the menu while Enji orders a salad and Bakugou orders a burger with hot sauce.
“And for you, sir?” The waitress focuses her attention on Todoroki who doesn’t acknowledge her, still reading the menu. Raising an eyebrow, she’s about to try to get his attention again before Bakugou interrupts her.
“He’s deaf.”
“O-Oh, um…” She bites her lip, obviously searching her brain for a way to interact with the male.
Bakugou resists rolling his eyes and lightly grabs Todoroki’s shoulder. This time he doesn’t jump and just looks over at his boyfriend.
Have you decided what you wanted?
Todoroki shrugs in response before turning to look at his father then the waitress, who are both staring back at him. His cheeks redden at the attention, eyes darting back to his blonde.
Take your time. I can tell her to come back. Bakugou gives his boyfriend a soft smile, one that always does things to Todoroki’s stomach.
The deaf man nods with a sheepish expression.
“Do you mind coming back in a few? He’s still deciding.” Bakugou asks her politely.
“O-Of course!! Take your time!” She’s more skittish, probably feeling bad for not being able to communicate with Todoroki. Neither of the younger males blame her.
Todoroki is used to people not knowing how to talk to him, though it doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. Bakugou somewhat feels for her as he didn’t know how to talk to his boyfriend at first either.
Todoroki sighs and returns to looking at the menu.
“Does that happen often?” Enji breaks through, catching Bakugou’s attention.
“I guess?” Bakugou isn’t too sure as they don’t go out to eat often. “We really don’t eat out a lot, and when we do, he usually knows what he wants immediately or I already know for both of us.”
“Like your drink orders?” Enji places his hands in front of him on the table, intertwining his fingers tightly. Bakugou raises an eyebrow at the sudden interest in their relationship dynamics.
“Uh, yeah.”
Todoroki then grabs Bakugou’s thigh, taking the blonde’s gaze from Enji. Todoroki is still looking at the menu, so when he feels Bakugou turn his head towards him, he takes his hand off Bakugou’s leg and points at the words BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Bakugou smirks at the choice.
Since they started dating, Bakugou tries to cook for both of them any chance he can. He makes some dishes he’s known for ages and some he’s looked up on the internet. He tries to change it up as much as possible. One of the first times he stayed at Todoroki’s, he made a Katsudon dish that Todoroki had originally been hesitant to try. It was then that Bakugou learned Todoroki often ate out or microwaveable meals. And Bakugou, being the health nut he was, decided that was no longer how his boyfriend would eat.
After scolding him for not taking better care of himself, to which Todoroki rolled his eyes, Bakugou lightly demanded Todoroki try the dish. Turns out, Todoroki loves Katsudon. In fact, he loves every meal Bakugou has cooked for him. He’s tried so many new foods, he can’t even keep count anymore.
Now, even when they go out to eat, Todoroki tries to pick something he hasn’t had before or in a long time. Hence, the barbeque chicken sandwich.
Bakugou glances about the restaurant, finding their waitress not too far away already looking at them. He waves his hand, beckoning the woman over who quickly makes her way there.
“Has he decided?” Her composure is better and her smile is less strained.
“Yeah. He’ll have the barbeque chicken sandwich.”
The waitress writes the order down before asking, “Any toppings?”
Bakugou immediately turns to Todoroki who is watching him closely. Toppings?
Just lettuce.
“Lettuce is fine. That’s it.” With a nod, she makes a note and lets them know their orders should be out shortly.
“Bakugou,” Enji calls out as the blonde places his arm on the back of Todoroki’s chair, who inches closer to him.
“What?”
“How long have you known sign language?” Bakugou sighs and shifts a bit in his chair, feeling his boyfriends gaze on him.
“I learned it myself when I met Shouto.” Bakugou’s hand comes down and grasps Todoroki’s shoulder, squeezing once to let him know he’s okay.
“Ah,” Enji says simply.
Bakugou looks at Todoroki who raises his hands to sign.
What is he saying?
Bakugou pulls back his arm and Todoroki immediately misses the comfort from it.
Asked how long I’ve known sign language. Todoroki nods and looks at his father.
How much sign language do you know?
Enji watches his hands closely before stuttering out, “I-I’m sorry, that was fast, I don’t know what he said.”
Bakugou taps one of Todoroki’s hands that is laying on the table after signing to Enji. He looks at Bakugou.
Try a little slower, babe. Todoroki blushes and does the signs again, word by word, slowly.
Enji nods before attempting to answer.
Not much. Still learning to how put sentence in a words.
Bakugou chuckles deeply at the mess of Enji’s response. Todoroki gives a soft smile to his father before looking at Bakugou, prompting him to smack the blonde lightly on the shoulder.
Be nice.
I am!
Tell him what he did wrong, then. Todoroki’s eyes leave no room for argument, so Bakugou sighs heavily and looks at his boyfriend’s dad.
“You should probably keep practicing how to put words in a sentence since that one did not make sense.” Bakugou lightly laughs. Enji glares.
“I’m trying my best, boy.” Bakugou immediately stops his laughter, raising an eyebrow at the male’s wording.
“I ain’t a boy, dickface.” Bakugou sneers. Hands grab at both of his shoulders before he’s turned towards Todoroki.
The deaf male’s eyebrows are scrunched in confusion.
What’s going on? Bakugou slouches.
He called me boy. Todoroki gives Bakugou a deadpan look before shifting it to his father.
“He’s the one being rude.” Enji retorts like a child.
“He still can’t hear you, dumbass.” Bakugou snarls.
Todoroki puts his hands up, one into each of the other two’s faces, causing them to shut their mouths.
Todoroki then reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out a pen before grabbing his napkin and writing on it.
Bakugou and Enji watch Todoroki closely, waiting for him to finish scribbling.
Todoroki sets down his pen and picks up the napkin to show the other two.
Either be nice or say nothing at all. His eyes are wide as they jump between his boyfriend and father, watching for their responses to his note.
Bakugou sighs and nods. Enji clearly grinds his teeth before stiffly nodding his head.
“I apologize, Bakugou.” The apology isn’t very sincere, in fact, it’s incredibly forced. But Bakugou accepts it anyway.
“It’s whatever.”
Todoroki nods to himself and sets the napkin down again, seemingly pleased with himself. Bakugou smiles softly at his lover before turning back to Enji and raising his hands.
“Since you’re still learning, I’ll translate for both of you.” He offers this while signing so Todoroki knows what he’s saying. Todoroki beams then looks to his father, finding the older male straighten his back and agree with Bakugou.
So, they move forward with their conversations.
Enji asks how Todoroki is doing, to which the son replies that he’s happy while smiling lovingly at Bakugou who smirks and kisses his forehead. Enji asks the same of Bakugou, who also says he’s happy.
After catching up only a bit, though tense, it goes smoothly and Bakugou finds himself much more relaxed than when they first got there.
Their food comes and it’s mostly quiet, besides Enji trying to keep up conversation by asking what Todoroki has been doing in his free time.
Bakugou relays from Todoroki that he’s been working on his art as well as taking classes at the community college.
“What is he studying?” Enji’s salad is finished and his plate is pushed to the side, Bakugou is halfway through his burger since he had to stop and sign and talk, and Todoroki is nearly done with his sandwich.
“Art.” Bakugou answers for his boyfriend, finding no need to ask Todoroki when he knows the answer.
“Oh. And how does that work with him not being able to hear?” At first, Enji couldn’t even acknowledge out loud that his son was deaf, but he’s getting better at it and Bakugou can tell the man is at least trying.
He asked how school works with you being deaf. Bakugou tells Todoroki what Enji asks. Todoroki goes to lift his hands, but Bakugou puts up one of his own before signing, I already know, dork. Mind if I tell him? Todoroki smiles appreciatively and returns to finishing his lunch.
“All of his professors know and they give him tapes of their lectures that he brings to the resource center where they transcribe it for him so he can read what they say. Though, there’s only two courses that actually lecture, the other one is an actual art class that he draws and paints in. The professor for that one has written out notes that she gives Shouto on days she does lecture.”
Todoroki watches Bakugou intently while chewing on his chicken. He can see the blonde talking quickly and seriously and Todoroki has no doubt that Bakugou’s explaining everything perfectly.
“I see.” Enji nods and Bakugou goes back to signing. “Well, I’m glad he has something he is passionate about.” Todoroki sets down his sandwich and looks at his father who returns the gaze.
Thank you. He tips his fingers forward from his chin, and his father actually smiles. Todoroki gasps, then goes back to eating to hide it.
He doesn’t think he’s ever seen his father smile before.
“Alright, well, I’m going to finish up my burger here, so if you need anything, just try your best.” Todoroki nods while Enji gives a soft ‘okay’.
At first, it's deadly quiet as Todoroki and Enji watch each other. Bakugou sighs through his nose but tries to focus on the delicious greasy burger in his hands.
Finally, Enji raises his hands.
I am- he pauses and thinks before shaking his head and sighing heavily. P-R-O-U-D. He spells out the word he struggled with, before pointing at Todoroki. Of you.
Todoroki bites his bottom lip, feeling a small stinging in the back of his eyes.
He knows there’s no reason for him to have to care if his father is proud of him or not. For a while, it couldn’t have mattered much to him if he never heard from Enji again.
But something about the past couple weeks with Bakugou losing his own dad has made Todoroki softer for his own. He thinks with some more time, though he can never fully forgive Enji for impairing him, he can grow to accept his father back into his life.
Maybe that's why he was so nervous earlier-he had no idea if he was going to be able to let his father back into his life and that scared him a bit. He hated his father a bit because of what happened, but he's also grown up and learned to let go.
Thank you. Todoroki says simply, swallowing the lump in his throat.
Bakugou watches Todoroki after seeing what Enji signs and can see the familiar wetness that fills his blue and grey eyes before he’s about to cry. The blonde wasn’t sure why he would be crying, so he kept his guard up in case.
But then he notices Todoroki’s body relax more, and Bakugou takes that as a good sign.
He finishes his meal while Enji pays the bill. Neither fight him, letting the elder male take care of it.
They quietly exit the restaurant. Todoroki waves to their waitress as Bakugou thanks her. He takes a peak at the check to make sure Enji left a tip and is pleasantly surprised to see it was about 30%.
“How long have you been riding a motorcycle, Bakugou?” Enji asks once they’re outside and standing next to Bakugou’s bike like they had been an hour or so prior.
“Just over five years.” Bakugou signs both Enji’s question and his own answer.
“And you’re safe?” Bakugou rolls his eyes.
“Yes, old man.” Enji’s eye twitches but he doesn’t answer. Todoroki pokes Bakugou’s side and the blonde then realizes he literally signed old man , so Todoroki knew he was trying to provoke the elder Todoroki. “Sorry.” Bakugou says grudgingly. Enji hums, then turns to Todoroki.
It good to see you.
Todoroki smiles and signs back, Me too. Enji nods his head.
“Bakugou.” The blonde straightens. “I’m glad you make my son happy.”
Bakugou startles a bit at that, unsure of how to respond.
“Uh, yeah, well,” Bakugou looks at Todoroki who stares back with absolute wonder and love, with a hint of confusion as the blonde wasn’t signing anymore. Bakugou grins. “He makes me happy, so.” Todoroki raises an eyebrow, still having no idea what Bakugou was saying.
“I’m glad.” Enji says shortly, though not rudely. “Safe travels home. Please let Shoto know I will be texting him soon so we can do this again.”
Bakugou relays the messages and Todoroki smiles and nods at his father. Enji tilts his head back before turning and heading to his vehicle. Once out of sight around the corner, Bakugou turns to Todoroki just to be swept up in a tight hug.
Todoroki’s face nuzzles into the blonde's neck, causing goosebumps to form as Bakugou sighs and wraps his arms all the way around his boyfriend. They stand like that for several calm moments before Todoroki pulls away.
Now I just have to meet your mom. His smile is mischievous and Bakugou rolls his eyes fondly.
Yeah, yeah. Next weekend, baby. Todoroki blushes and nods, leaning in and kissing Bakugou sweetly.
The fiery male grabs Todoroki’s hips and pulls him flush to his body. He lets go, but Todoroki doesn’t move away.
Ready to go? Bakugou asks and Todoroki beams.
Let’s go home.
Bakugou’s heart flutters. Although there’s still a couple more weeks until his lover can properly move in, the deaf man always calls it home.
And honestly, it is now that Todoroki is there.